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US racial, ethnic minorities under age 50 have higher risk for colorectal cancer
Racial and ethnic minority groups in the U.S. are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer at younger ages and at more advanced stages compared with non-Hispanic whites, according to recent study data.
“While we know the risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age, little is known about its prevalence within various minority and ethnic groups,” Jamal Ibdah, MD, PhD, professor of medicine, director of the division of gastroenterology and hepatology, and Raymond E. and Vaona H. Peck Chair in Cancer Research at the University of Missouri School of Medicine, said in a press release. “Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, American Indian, Alaska Native and African-American populations are the fastest-growing racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States. Having the most accurate statistical data is critical to providing cancer prevention and control programs for these groups.”
Jamal Ibdah
Therefore, Ibdah and colleagues analyzed data from the SEER database and North American Association of Central Cancer Registries to evaluate CRC prevalence, stage and survival rates from 1973 to 2009 based on race and ethnicity.
“We found that minorities under the age of 50 were twice as likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer compared to non-Hispanic whites,” Ibdah said in the press release.
Compared with 6.7% of non-Hispanic whites, 12% of Asians and Pacific Islanders, 15.4% of Hispanics, 16.5% of American Indians and Alaska Natives, and 11.9% of African Americans were diagnosed with CRC when they were aged younger than 50 years (P < .0001).
“On average, minorities were diagnosed between the ages of 64 and 68, while non-Hispanic whites were typically diagnosed at age 72,” Ibdah added. “When diagnosed, minority groups also had more advanced stages of cancer.”
Analysis of patients at all ages showed 48.1% of African Americans, 45.8% of Hispanics, 45.8% of Asians and Pacific Islanders and 46.6% of American Indians and Alaska Natives with CRC were diagnosed at stages 3 or 4 compared with 42% of non-Hispanic whites (P < .0001). Analysis of patients diagnosed when aged younger than 50 years showed 55.9% of African Americans, 55% of Hispanics, 55.5% of Asians and Pacific Islanders and 52% of American Indians and Pacific Islanders were diagnosed at stages 3 or 4 compared with 52.1% of non-Hispanic whites (P < .0001).
Factors that may contribute to the development of CRC at younger ages include hereditary, environmental and diet or lifestyle factors, which may lead to epigenetic changes, Ibdah and colleagues wrote. Moreover, factors that may contribute to minorities being diagnosed at later stages include lower screening rates, lower income levels and limited access to education and health care resources.
“Regular screening for colorectal cancer is essential for prevention and early diagnosis,” Ibdah said in the press release. “Our findings suggest a need for further studies to examine current guidelines for all minority groups in the U.S. and the development of possible new interventional strategies.” – by Adam Leitenberger
Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.